Abstract: Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is an emerging pathogen that was first identified inWuhan,\nChina in late December 2019. This virus is responsible for the ongoing outbreak that causes severe\nrespiratory illness and pneumonia-like infection in humans. Due to the increasing number of cases\nin China and outside China, the WHO declared coronavirus as a global health emergency. Nearly\n35,000 cases were reported and at least 24 other countries or territories have reported coronavirus\ncases as early on as February. Inter-human transmission was reported in a few countries, including\nthe United States. Neither an effective anti-viral nor a vaccine is currently available to treat this\ninfection. As the virus is a newly emerging pathogen, many questions remain unanswered regarding\nthe virusâ??s reservoirs, pathogenesis, transmissibility, and much more is unknown. The collaborative\nefforts of researchers are needed to fill the knowledge gaps about this new virus, to develop the\nproper diagnostic tools, and effective treatment to combat this infection. Recent advancements in\nplant biotechnology proved that plants have the ability to produce vaccines or biopharmaceuticals\nrapidly in a short time. In this review, the outbreak of 2019-nCoV in China, the need for rapid vaccine\ndevelopment, and the potential of a plant system for biopharmaceutical development are discussed.
Loading....